Why Cleveland Is A City of Tops
Cleveland is a city on the rise. With millions of dollars aimed towards redevelopment, construction is a constant (don’t worry it won’t take away from the experience) and shows a citywide effort to be a top tourist spot. The buzz of new hotels, new restaurants emerging neighborhoods are grabbing national attention. Here are just a few reasons this city is tops. And not just because it’s the birthplace of rock and roll and also the place where DJ Alan Freed coined that musical term.
1. Meet the World’s Best Etch A Sketch Artist. Find more than trendy T’s at GV Designs in Lakewood, which is where George Vloisch and his family have set up their screen-printing shop, GV Designs. George’s talent was first discovered on a road trip when he was 10 years old. That’s when he sketched a dollar bill that stunned his family and soon after took him on a road to fame. He has since been featured on national television on shows like Jimmy Kimmel and Oprah. Staying loyal to the city that they love, the store also sells T-shirts designed by George’s father. The most iconic says “Cleveland that I Love.” To stay even further connected to the community, George teaches at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
2. Mountain Bike, Indoors. Mountain biking is all seasons in Cleveland. Head to Ray’s MTB Indoor Bike Park to find the world’s first and largest indoor mountain bike mecca where riders from all over the world come to keep skills in tune during the off-season. Tracks are designed to meet all skill levels. A foam pit has also been installed to offer a soft landing for those turning tricks
The park is open October through April.
3. Run with a famous DJ. DJ Stephan Floss set a goal of running a 5K to raise money for cancer research after a friend was diagnosed with the disease. Running hooked him prompting him to start a community run club now dubbed Run with the Winners. Running routes vary. You may find yourself running over the Detroit Superior Bridge and around the Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cavs. Regardless of the route, find an encouraging group that cheer each other on and pass out plenty of high fives along the way.
Details: Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:00 p.m. at 25th St & Detroit near the Ohio City neighborhood. Cost: Free
4. Spot the World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier in Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland. The 20-foot tall chandelier made with 4,200 crystals adds more glamour to the area which is the second largest theatre district outside of New York City. Find opera, ballet, concerts, Broadway shows and the Great Lakes Theatre Troupe.
5. Markets and Melts: The food scene in Cleveland goes beyond celebrity chefs grabbing the spotlight. The Westside Market in the Ohio City neighborhood offers fresh produce and goods from dozens of vendors from all over the world. Find exotic fruits too including star fruit, lychee and mangosteen. Or grub at a spot featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives at Melt Bar & Grilled. The flagship, in Lakewood, starting by serving gourmet grilled cheese in a hip punk atmosphere. Many have attempted the Melt Challenge but few have claimed victory, which means finishing three slices of grilled bread, 3.5 pounds of cheese, 1 pound of fires and one pound of coleslaw. The Cleveland Cheese steak, a house favorite, is served with beef brisket, mushrooms, onions, peppers and provolone. Vegetarian and gluten free potions are available.
Where to stay:
Aloft Cleveland Downtown. Find a constant energy at this trendy hotel set up along the bank of the Crooked River in the Flats District. At check in, decide if you want a room overlooking the Crooked River or downtown cityscapes. Stay here to be in walking distance from downtown, a bridge away from Hingetown and Ohio City and less than a ten-minute drive to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Rates: Start at $149.00
